Reference:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the third phase of the centrally sponsored scheme for the strengthening and upgradation of existing medical colleges/independent postgraduate institutions/government hospitals under State/Central Government, with the objective of increasing 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats.

Background:

• Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India requires a robust healthcare system.
• A strong healthcare system depends on adequate medical workforce (doctors, specialists, faculty).
• India currently has 808 medical colleges, the highest in the world.
• Total seats at present: 123,700 MBBS seats and 43,041 postgraduate medical seats.
• In the past decade:
• MBBS seats increased by 127% (69,352 new seats added).
• Postgraduate seats increased by 143% (43,041 additional seats added).
• Despite this growth, there remains a need to improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Objectives of the Scheme:

• Strengthen and upgrade government medical colleges, independent postgraduate institutions, and government hospitals.
• Increase 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats and 5,023 MBBS seats.
• Train high-quality healthcare professionals and enhance the availability of specialist doctors.
• Ensure equitable and wide access to healthcare services.
• Align India’s medical capacity with global standards.

Financial Details:

• Total expenditure (2025-26 to 2028-29): ₹15,034.50 crore

• • Central Government share: ₹10,303.20 crore
  • State Government share: ₹4,731.30 crore
• Cost ceiling per MBBS seat: ₹1.50 crore per seat

Benefits of the Scheme:

1. Increase in availability of doctors and specialists

• Ensures quality healthcare, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.

2. Strengthening of healthcare infrastructure

• Cost-effective expansion of tertiary healthcare services in existing government institutions.
• Continuous supply of specialist doctors due to the increase in postgraduate seats.

3. Creation of human resources and employment

• Direct and indirect employment for doctors, faculty, paramedical staff, researchers, administrators, and support services.

4. Equitable distribution of healthcare services

• Promotes uniform distribution of healthcare infrastructure across states and union territories.

5. Global competitiveness and foreign exchange earnings

• With adequate and qualified doctors, India can become a major provider of affordable healthcare services, attracting international patients.

Implementation of the Scheme:

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will issue detailed guidelines.

Targets:

• By 2028-29: Increase 5,000 postgraduate seats + 5,023 MBBS seats.

New Regulations:

• Faculty Eligibility Regulations 2025: Recruitment based on eligibility and merit.
• Aim: Maintain the highest academic and professional standards.

Long-Term Impact:

• Enhances healthcare capacity and quality in the country.
• Improves healthcare access in underprivileged and remote areas through equitable distribution.
• Establishes global standards for medical education and training.
• Contributes to overall socio-economic development.

Employment and Human Resource Impact:

• Provides more opportunities for medical education to students.
• Ensures adequate availability of specialist doctors and faculty.
• Strengthens human resources in the healthcare sector.
• Generates new direct and indirect employment opportunities.